Some good news at last from the DRC as rebels agree to protect gorillas
January 24th, 2007. Congo Rangers have had a meeting with one of Laurent Nkunda’s rebel commanders. This meeting was to discuss the gorilla killings and to explain that this has to be stopped.
Paulin Ngobobo, head of the Congo Rangers set out with Rob Muir from Frankfurt Zoological Society and were accompanied by the local UN Battalion Commander Lt. Colonel Rajeesh Parmar, as well as 3 UN patrol vehicles and one UN military observer armoured vehicle and headed for Jomba. This is one of the key gorilla sites close to the Uganda border where the rebels have their headquarters.
They were greeted by a company of men in camouflage gear and carrying heavy weapons and rocket launchers, as well as spears. A meeting ensued with Col Makenga of the rebel forces. It was explained who the rangers were, what we were trying to achieve in the park, and how important it is to protect the mountain gorillas and other wildlife even during times of war. Access was requested to the Patrol Posts in the gorilla sector so that rangers could search for the gorilla groups and establish their status.
Col. Makenga granted the request.
They were greeted by a company of men in camouflage gear and carrying heavy weapons and rocket launchers, as well as spears. A meeting ensued with Col Makenga of the rebel forces. It was explained who the rangers were, what we were trying to achieve in the park, and how important it is to protect the mountain gorillas and other wildlife even during times of war. Access was requested to the Patrol Posts in the gorilla sector so that rangers could search for the gorilla groups and establish their status.
Col. Makenga granted the request.
